The Vatican Gardens, An Urban Oasis – Rome

Upper Terrace, Vatican Gardens, Rome, 2013

Balancing the desire to visit “must see sights” and to relax can be hard at times. Especially if you have a limited number of days in Rome. Visiting the Giordini Vaticani will allow you to do both in spectacular style! The views from the “backyard” of St. Peters along the upper terraces of the garden are nothing short of breathtaking. Open daily except Wednesdays and Sundays, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The guided tour, in small groups of 20 to 25, which lasts approximately two hours winds leisurely through the lush gardens, fountains, statuary, and architectural gems of Vatican City. The tour guides are friendly and knowledgable and provide you with a historical overview of this special place.

Stone Pines Along the Northern Walls, Vatican Gardens, Rome, 2013

The Vatican Gardens have been a place of quiet and meditation for the popes since 1279 when Nicholas III (Giovanni Gaetano Orsini, 1277-1280) moved his residence back to the Vatican from the Lateran Palace.

Within the walls of Vatican City these urban gardens and parks cover more than half of the 109 total acres of Vatican territory to the South and Northeast. The papal heliport, Radio Vatican, and the Vatican Train Station (no longer used) are just a few of the interesting buildings you will see.

Italianate Garden, Vatican Gardens, Rome, 2013

After your tour you may visit the Vatican Museums or you may want to avoid the crowds in the “front of the house” and continue to relax along the streets of rione Prati. One of my favorite places to have a panino is DUECENTOGRADI “200 Degrees”. Located a short five minute walk from the entrance to the Vatican Museums at Piazza Risorgimento, 3.

One Reply to “The Vatican Gardens, An Urban Oasis – Rome”

Ah David, you’re a boon, I tell you! Whenever we travel, all my husband wants to do is relax while I feel like we’ve lost an inheritance if we don’t see it all! The Vatican Gardens will be the perfect compromise! Thank you! 🙂